Restless Leg Syndrome
Natural Remedies

Home Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Electric Massager

1 User Review
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Posted by Victoria (Santa Barbara, CA) on 09/07/2008
5 out of 5 stars

Re creepy crawly leg sensations associated with restless leg syndrome... using an electric massager on the afflicted area of my leg, usually the calf, stops the creepy crawly sensation. This sensation is associated with Restless Leg Syndrome although my leg does not twitch or jump. I experience this sensation in the early afternoon or evening when I am lying down and resting on the couch. When I use the above treatment for about 5-10 minutes, the crawling sensation cycle is broken.

Replied by Colin
(Ajax, Ontario/canada)
01/19/2012

For my RLS treatment, I usually take a very warm shower, and then I massage my legs to the sole of foot bottom for about fifteen minutes and with this procedure I do get a good night rest.


Eliminate Benadryl

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Little Wing (Marshfield, Ma) on 09/17/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I find benadryl makes my restless legs MUCH worse, as does anything like this or any of the PM medicines (Excedrin PM, Advil PM, etc.).

Replied by Rsw
(Uniontown, Oh)
09/18/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I have found this to be true, also. NyQuil always was a problem and kept my up all night, but as I have gotten older, Benedryl and other such OTC drugs that you mention, now cause me to be drowsy but completely unable to sleep with increased RLS symptoms.


Eliminate Coffee

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Posted by Sabrana (Newcastle, Nsw) on 07/27/2011
5 out of 5 stars

Hi,

I just wanted to share that since giving up coffee, I don't have Restless Legs syndrome anymore. Simple.

Thanks

Replied by Janet
(Kendal, U.k)
07/27/2011

Also if you drink a glass of tonic water that, s good for restless legs too, but it, s the quinine in the tonic that does the trick.

Replied by David
(Greenville, Sc)
10/04/2012

Try this; worked for me. My leg agitation would drive me crazy at night and I realized that there was a corrolation between intake of sugar after six oclock or so, and the irritable leg issue.

Two solutions: First I cut way back on night time consumption of sugar products. Especially damaging is sugar late at night. That almost always caused RLS.

But, if I break down and do have the ice cream etc. And know that the irritation is likely, in fact, I usually can feel it coming on even before I am ready to sleep, I use a solution of baking soda in water; a half teaspoon in a half cup of water and apply on my knee caps... Which is where the irritation centers in on me. Then I drink the remainder of the soda/water. That combo alkalizes the body. The sugar is a terrible cause of acidic body condition, probably produced over a lifetime of too much sugar consumption and the inability to metabolize it efficently gives a side effect of acidic condition which perhaps along with insulin issues causes the RLS.

This formula really works. No sugar at night but if you do and the RLS starts take the baking soda in water topically and drink the rest to create an alkaline condition.

Replied by Kratomking
(Sharon, Pennsylvania)
01/07/2017
5 out of 5 stars

I've heard from many people that giving up the coffee will help cure a lot of RLS!!!


Epsom Salt

1 User Review
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Posted by Jon (Australia) on 05/22/2015
5 out of 5 stars

Epsom salt has been very effective at relieving RLS!!! WOW so happy!

I have a warm epsom salt bath using 2 cups of epsom salt in the bath, every night before bed.

I also take 800mg of Magnesium Glycinate daily (400mg am, and 400mg pm).

RLS can be very painful, excruciating, and I am so happy to have found relief finally.

Thank you for this cure


Examine Mineral Deficiencies

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Posted by Linda (Orlando, FL) on 11/27/2007
5 out of 5 stars

I have suffered from RLS most of my life (I'm 47)and discovered the link between RLS and mineral deficiency about 20 years ago. I have supplemented with Potassium, Calcium and Iron. I cook my own food, eat very little processed stuff, and have always craved spinach and broccoli (I even like brussel sprouts!). But even eating all the right stuff, I still need the supplements. I also suffer from endometriosis (horrible female problem), which I think is also related somehow to the mineral deficiency. I have been taking Blackstrap Molasses (full of good minerals) for about a year to try to combat those symptoms. I haven't experienced the "miracle cure" other women have written about, but at least I'm off the Percocet! Recently I have been reading on this site about magnesium supplementation. Am I right to think that low magnesium can cause malabsorption of other minerals? I'm going to try it for a while and see what happens.

Replied by Laura
(Mt.olive, Ms. Usa)
01/10/2011

After having hemorrhoid surgery I had terrible RLS every night. Also had heart surgery 6 weeks before hemorrhoid surgery. Dr. gave me Meripex which did not help with RLS. @ 65 years enough is enough!!! Been taking percocet like Linda from Florida said she did also. Anxious to try some of the remedies suggested in the testimonials. Will let you know the outcome.........Laura

Replied by James
(Manchester, Ct)
09/04/2012

It's been 9 years since my son was born and I started taking Mirapex for my RLS (so that my wife could sleep when she came back from nursing our first child during the night). I've had to up the dose considerably (in order for me to even fall asleep now... With terrible side effects). Read about Magnesium and took some at intervals today. Staved off the nightly RLS symptoms until 10:00 p.m. However, at about midnight I woke with symptoms again and have been up for 6 hours now. Found your website and drank the ACR/honey mix 30 min ago and downed two tablespoons of molassis 15 min ago. Rather than a controlled study... I needed some relief. I hope for better tomorrows. I'll keep you posted. Peace to you all and thanks for sharing your results with others. Having no control over such a debilitating health concern has left me so bummed out.

Replied by Alan
(London, Uk)
09/04/2012

Hi what has helped my wife and a few friends with this is bicarb of soda flat teaspoon in half cup of water. or my wife favors, no joke, rubbing a bar of soap on her legs then sleep with it in the bed, dry soap.

Replied by Bogdan
(Canada)
03/07/2017

Hi, in general you are v.right, your diet, supplements, this and that. My case maybe different but that does not matter. I'm doing the same but I'd say nothing works regardless. If there is something the change is non-tangible 3-5%. Hard to say working or not. Sorry to tell you that but what people are posting that works normally won't.

Regards, Bogdan


Exercises

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Faye (Odessa, TX) on 06/25/2009
5 out of 5 stars

Can say that I was diagnosed with RLS about 2 years ago. One night I was reading online and noticed that I was hurting in my lower back while sitting. I looked to see what would help that problem and found- 3 -simple exercies and when I did those I slept all night long. It seems that the lower back is related to Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). I do also believe that a lack of minerals and folic acid and Vitamin D3 are also needed but the exercises doing them 3 to 6 times a day about a minute and I sleep all night long. This works whether I take the vitamins and mineral or not as sometimes I get lazy about taking pills all the time and can go weeks before I take the supplements again. But the exercises are simple: 1-Rotate the Hips as in trying to use a Hula Hoop. 2-Twist the upper body 3-Do squats with the knees as low as possible and do all of this no more that 1 minute for all 3 exercises. Do this a minumin of 3 times or more as needed.

Replied by Runr
(Weston, Kansas)
02/28/2013

I'm going to try these tonight. I do have issues with lower back pain. Took a nap this afternoon and RLS started. Worth a try. Thank you.

Replied by Megan
(Salt Lake City, Ut)
07/10/2014
5 out of 5 stars

These exercises are so great and were so helpful during my last pregnancy. even though minerals helped a lot I still found that I would have bad bouts of RLS. if I did these exercises, even in the middle of the night, I found that I could go right to sleep after that. Thank you again!

Replied by Belinda
(Rock Hill, New York)
04/17/2022

Can't find specific RLS exercises on this site, just testimonials about them

EC: Hi Belinda,

We attached your post to the post describing the simple exercises that helped RLS from a reader in 2009.


Fish Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
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Posted by Matriarch (Clinton, Nj ) on 03/30/2018
5 out of 5 stars

Restless leg syndrome was the bane of my existence until one day I was talking to a friend who is a PhD in pharmacy and she offhandedly said, "Restless legs? Take fish oil." Just like that my problem was solved. I take 2400 mg. of fish oil before bed and haven't had a problem in months. Truly a miracle as I had tried literally everything else I heard of to solve this problem. I hope this helps others have a good night's sleep.


Folic Acid

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Pamela (New Smyrna Beach, FL) on 02/19/2009
5 out of 5 stars

Folic Acid cured my inherited Restless Legs. My mother also had restless legs. I am 47 years old and I have had restless legs in the evening for about 10 years. I couldn't sit on the couch and try to relax or take a long car ride at night without my legs going crazy twitching. It's only been in the last year or so that it has actually affected me in bed while I'm trying to sleep. It progressively got worse until it was keeping me awake for most of the night. That's when I realized I was not going to take this lightly anymore. I have done research and tried many things over the years, but when you read so many things some of it just goes over your head. The folic acid connection was one of the things that just kept going over my head. So when I looked deeper into it recently, I started seeing many accounts of how folic acid deficiency can be inherited. Some people just cannot absorb and utilize folate effectively and that can be an inherited problem. I looked deeper and learned that some of the signs of folic acid deficiency, aside from restless legs, are periodontal disease (my mom had it in her mid thirties and had all her teeth removed), poor circulation (my hands & feet are always cold), and even Alzheimer's (my mom contracted Alzheimer's in her mid sixties). I read that if this is the case with you that you need to supplement with high doses of folic acid. I bought the 800 mcg tablets and started with just a couple of them at a time. I have built up to taking 15 of them at night before bed and my restless legs are no more. I can hardly believe it, but it's true. It took about a week or two for it to completely disappear and if my body adjusts to this dosage and it comes back, I will just continue to increase my dosage as necessary. I am a firm believer in healing ourselves with natural products and methods. I have used much information from this wonderful site to improve and cure my problems.

I'd like to add that EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), which is a form of self-applied acupressure, has also helped me greatly. Used correctly, it will stop the twitching in your legs. For me it was only temporary because of the folic acid deficiency, but it was a huge help to me in the middle of the night when I couldn't get to sleep because of my restless legs. I hope this can help someone else who struggles with this problem.


Folic Acid
Posted by victoria (burkburnett, texas) on 03/27/2007
5 out of 5 stars

I had heard that for those who inherited restless leg seem to require high doses of folic acid. I've tried this and it works great. I take about 20, 800mcg's at night.


General Feedback

Posted by Pj (Jackson, Tn, Usa) on 02/07/2013

Will try the ACV and honey for RLS. On Horizant and clonazapam for some time now. RLS creepy, tingling uncomfortable feelings start up like clock work every afternoon (after work) between 4:30 - 6. I've been fighting for 8 years now. Been on Carbidopa/Levadopa, Clonazapam, Neurtontin, and now Horizant and Clonazapam. Tried massage and accupuncture. Only accupuncture did was allow me to dial off carbidoba/levadope for 2 months but still on Horizant and now 1/2 lowest dose of clonazapam but augmentation starting back up again. Take daily multi-vitamin, calcium, D, C and magnesium. Haven't tried soap yet but why not. Wear socks a lot until I have a hot flash... Never had this problem until my early 40's and don't understand what triggered it, but I do struggle with anxiety and wonder if the anti-depressant/anxiety lowest dose available as on for a year didn't trigger it. Which comes first, RLS, anxiety causing RLS or anxiety/dep meds? Yes, I'm sick of western medicine or pharmaceuticals.

Replied by Ks
(San Diego)
10/18/2016

Yes, you sound a lot like me. It's a cycle. Restless legs definitely causes anxiety because you can't sleep. Know for sure the antidepressant medications can definitely cause restless legs to be much worse. Do some research on the one that you're taking.


Homeopathy

2 User Reviews
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Posted by Tweetylynn (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 11/20/2012
5 out of 5 stars

Bach's Rescue Remedy works like a charm. Two sprays in the mouth at night and I'm asleep before my horrible restless legs start up. Five nights in a row so far and no RLS.


Homeopathy
Posted by Megan (Sydney, Australia) on 12/27/2011

I want to share a remedy I have found for Restless Legs Syndrome. 'Restless Legs Relief' is a homeopathic remedy found in Health food stores. I spray 4 squirts under my tongue and no restless legs anymore. What a relief, as continually having to move my legs around was stopping me sleeping. I had tried the bar of soap remedy to no avail. Hope this helps!!


Homeopathy
Posted by Lee (New York) on 08/09/2011
5 out of 5 stars

I have had restless leg syndrome for most of my adult life. I'd get it for a couple of nights every now and then, but now I've had it every night for over a month, it's very distruptive to sleep. I have tried many of the remedies on this site, only to get about 1 1/2 hours of relief before I'm up again. I went to the Dr. for a blood test to see if I was deficient in anything, but I'm not.

I came across a homeopathic remedy called Restful Legs by Hyland. OH, BLESSED RELIEF! I realize that different things work for different people, especially for this condition, but you might want to give it a try. They have a website you can google. I purchased it in a health food store, but it is available in chain drug stores as well according to their website. It's relatively inexpensive.... about $8.00.

Replied by Janet
(Kendal, U.k)
08/10/2011

Have you tried quinine for restless legs available much cheaper in tonic water a lot of other benefits too.

Replied by Lee
(New York, Usa)
08/15/2011

Thank you Janet from Kendal, UK for your imput. I have tried tonic water and as with all the other remedies I've tried, acv, baking soda etc, I only get about 1 1/2 - 2 hours of some relief and then I'm up again. As an update on the Restful Legs remedy... It works sometimes and not as well at other times. I'm now trying it with the other remedies, tonic water, acv, baking soda, etc. I had blood test to see if I'm deficient in anything but I'm not. Many thanks to all who contribute to this site!


Horse Chestnut

Posted by Carl (Studio City, CA) on 02/22/2009

Horse Chestnut tabs from a health food store will relieve symptoms of RLS in some people. There is some evidence that insomnia and RLS may be secondary to folic deficiency. People with a family history of RLS may benefit from taking 5-10 mg per day of folic acid. However, those taking folic acid should make sure they are receiving at least 500-1000 mcg of vitamin B12. Also, consult a physician before using folic acid if you have epilepsy as folic acid interacts with some epilepsy medications and can trigger a seizure in some people. Obviously, from the discussion, different people benefit from different supplements and treatments. One should experiment carefully until you get it right.


Hydration + ACV

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Posted by Scott (Clear Brook, VA) on 10/06/2019
5 out of 5 stars

I have had bouts with RLS for many years now. I'm a 45 YO male, eat healthy, exercise often, and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. Once in a while, I would feel the creeping in of RLS symptoms.

Somebody told me to drink 16 oz. of water before going to bed, especially if you have been drinking alcohol prior to sleep. Hydration seems to help tremendously.

I also take a gulp of ACV every night before bed. Exercise is key, ACV is good for so many things, including this, and stay hydrated. Haven't tried the soap, but haven't really had RLS since staying committed to hydration and taking my ACV each night before bed. I also swig a little in the morning. Don't forget to gargle with some hydrogen peroxide now and then:). It's very good for you!



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